Queer LitFest, Chennai

Last updated

Queer LitFest, Chennai (QLF)
Logo of Queer LitFest, Chennai.png
StatusActive
Genre LGBT literature
Literary festival
Date(s)7 July 2018
14 September 2019
19, 20, 26 and 27 September 2020
18 to 24 September 2021
FrequencyAnnually
VenueKavikko Convention Centre, Virtual
Location(s) Chennai
Country India
Years active2018 – present
Inaugurated7 July 2018
FounderMoulee
Organized by Queer Chennai Chronicles
SponsorCrowdfunding, Self-funded
Website www.queerlitfest.com
India's first queer literature festival

The Queer LitFest, Chennai (QLF), also known as Chennai Queer LitFest is an annual literary festival which takes place in the Indian city Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The first edition of the Chennai Queer LitFest was organised in July 2018. [1] Kavikko Convention centre serves as the main venue of the festival. [2] [3]

Contents

The event is organized by Queer Chennai Chronicles, an independent publishing and literary forum based in Chennai, [2] and is the first Queer LitFest India. [4] [5]

History

The festival was founded by Chennai-based queer activist Moulee, who thought there was a need for a wider discussion on queer literature in India that would bring queer writers, translators and allies together. [6] [7] [8] Moulee is also the director and curator of the festival. The 2018 QLF was co-curated by writer and translator LJ Violet along with Moulee. [8] [9] The Chennai Queer LitFest was started in 2018 to focus on LGBTQIA+ literature in Tamil and other Indian languages, and to highlight queer identified authors, translators and artists. QLF has hosted participants that include writers, translators and artists of Tamil Nadu, and from Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Mumbai and London. [10] [11] QLF has included themes like Queer identities in India, Inclusive children's literature, Art in Queer literature, translations and Queer literature in publishing. The festival is completely organised through crowdfunding. [8] [12] [13]

2018

The 2018 Chennai Queer LitFest held on 7 July 2018 is the first literary festival in India that completely focused on queer literature, writers and translators. The Social Justice Pride Flag was released in the 2018 QLF. [13] The first edition of the Chennai Queer LitFest's topics of discussion included LGBT representation in Media moderated by writer and translator Gireesh, Queer Literature in publishing; Vasudhendra of Mohanaswamy fame spoke about Queer Literature in Kannada followed by reading from selected queer literature in Tamil. Along the lines of diversity and marginality of queer lives and their invisibilised narratives, The Chinky Homo Project was formally launched in the LitFest. [14] The keynote speech of theatre artist and activist Living Smile Vidya (2018 edition) was read on stage in her absence. [15]

2019

The 2019 Chennai Queer LitFest was held on 14 September 2019. The topics of discussion were on Inclusive Children's Literature by writer Shals Mahajan and educator Salai Selvam. A panel on Art in Queer Literature (Queerness in Art) was moderated by artist Senthil between Community Historian Maari and Illustrator Vai. [2] A conversation on translation was facilitated by writer Nadika with translator V. Geetha. London based writer and artist Hari Rajaledchumy spoke about her personal finding of queer literature and Tamil queer literature in general. Malayalam writer Kishor gave a brief snapshot on queer literature in Malayalam. South Chennai Constituency Member of Parliament and poet Dr Thamizhachi Thangapandian delivered the Keynote. The event concluded with an Open Mic session. [8] [16]

2020

The 2020 Chennai Queer LitFest was announced on 20 June 2020. [17] Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the Chennai Queer LitFest 2020 was held online through live streaming. The 2020 edition was called Chennai Queer LitFest 2020 Live. The festival took place on the 19, 20, 26 and 27 September 2020. [18] The 2020 edition of the Chennai Queer LitFest focused on storytelling and brought together speakers from around the globe. [19]

2021

The 2021 Chennai Queer LitFest was held between 18 and 24 September 2021. For the second year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the festival was held virtually as an audio-only literary festival on Twitter Spaces. [20] [21] The LitFest was presided by member of the Tamil Nadu State Development Policy Council and Padma Shri recipient Narthaki Nataraj. [22] The 2021 Queer LitFest focused on the oral history of Tamil speaking trans women [23] led by author A Revathi and writer Thanuja Singam. The 2021 edition also focused on filmmaking, [24] fan-fiction, and creating safe online spaces that drive queer centric conversations. [25] Author and actor Shoba Shakti spoke about queerness in his writings and how Tamil literary spaces has seen queerness over the years. A conversation between Queer LitFest director Moulee and London based writer Hari Rajaledchumy focused on expressing queerness in Tamil and queer terminologies in Tamil. The final session focused on responsible media reporting and the way forward for better representation of queer persons in media. [26]

Related Research Articles

A literary festival, also known as a book festival or writers' festival, is a regular gathering of writers and readers, typically on an annual basis in a particular city. A literary festival usually features a variety of presentations and readings by authors, as well as other events, delivered over a period of several days, with the primary objectives of promoting the authors' books and fostering a love of literature and writing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charu Nivedita</span> Tamil-language writer

Charu Nivedita is a Tamil writer based in Chennai, India. His novel Zero Degree (1998) was translated into English in 2013 and longlisted that year for the annual Jan Michalski Prize for Literature. It was also selected or the prestigious 50 Writers, 50 Books - The Best of Indian Fiction, published in 2013 by HarperCollins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">C. S. Lakshmi</span>

C. S. Lakshmi is an Indian feminist writer and independent researcher in women's studies from India. She writes under the pseudonym Ambai.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S. Ramesan Nair</span> Indian lyricist and poet (1948–2021)

S. Ramesan Nair was an Indian lyricist and poet who worked predominantly in the Malayalam film industry. Over his career he wrote songs for over 170 films and over 3,000 devotional songs outside of the films. He debuted with the movie Pathamudhayam in 1985. He was a recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2010 and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2018 for his collection of poems Gurupournami.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ganesh Babu</span> Indian film director

E. V. Ganesh Babu is an Indian film director, writer and actor who works in Tamil-language films. He made his acting debut with Bharathi (2000) and played Vijay's friend in four films including Sivakasi (2005). He worked as an assistant director for Thenpandi Singam (2016) before making his debut as a director with Yamuna (2013). He directed and starred in a film titled Kattil opposite Srushti Dange, which was screened in 2021 at a Innovative International Film Festival. In 2022, he adapted the script of Kattil into a book.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lit for Life</span> Annual literary festival

Lit for Life is an annual literary festival organised by the English daily The Hindu in Chennai, India. The festival was inaugurated in 2010, where it was part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of The Hindu's Literary Review. In 2011 the Lit for Life became an independent one-day event. It has over the years developed into a three-day festival of literature and thought, featuring notable authors and speakers from all over the world. In 2020, the festival, that always takes place in mid-January, will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Main initiator and organiser of the Lit for Life is Dr Nirmala Lakshman, Director of The Hindu Group of Publications, and Chairperson of the Board of The Hindu Tamil.

<i>My Son Is Gay</i> 2017 Indian film

My Son Is Gay, also known as En Magan Magizhvan in India, is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language film. It is a tale of a gay man coming out and the impact it has on his relationship with his mother and other people around them. Lokesh Kumar, a filmmaker from Chennai, India, wrote and directed the film. The film is about acceptance, tolerance, and the right of marginalized people to live with dignity in mainstream of society. The film has won 4 awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pa. Ranjith</span> Indian film director, film producer and screenwriter (born 1982)

Pa. Ranjith is an Indian film director, film producer and screenwriter who primarily works in Tamil cinema. He made his directorial debut with the 2012 romantic comedy Attakathi, before earning positive reviews for his second film, the political action-drama Madras (2014). He wrote and directed the action-drama films Kabali in 2016 and Kaala in 2018, both starring Rajinikanth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orinam</span>

Orinam is a non-funded, social, and activist collective that works to enhance understanding of alternate sexualities and gender identities among families, communities and society. It was founded in 2003 in Chennai under the name MovenPick and is one of the oldest collective of its kind in India. People affiliated with Orinam are from or trace their ancestry to the following geo-cultural: People of Tamil Origin from Tamil Nadu, India. Orinam provides a platform for creative expression, personal and social commentary by Queer people of Tamil Origin and of Indian Origin primarily. Orinam also acts as a local support group in Chennai for the queer community. Orinam also partners with the city-, state- and national initiatives around decriminalisation of homosexuality by amending Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and LGBTQ rights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chennai Rainbow Pride</span> LGBTIQA+ Pride March

The Chennai Rainbow Pride March has been held by members of Tamil Nadu LGBTIQA+ communities every June since 2009. The pride march is organised under the banner Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition, which is a collective of LGBT individuals, supporters, and organizations working on human rights and healthcare for the LGBTQIA community. The Pride March occurs on the final Sunday of June every year. The Pride March is usually preceded by a month-long series of events organized by NGOs and organizations to inculcate awareness and support for the LGBTQ community, such as panel discussions, film screenings, and cultural performances. The Chennai Vaanavil Suyamariyadhai Perani a.k.a. Chennai Rainbow Self-Respect March is known for being inter-sectional in nature as it addresses issues with multiple axes such as caste, class, religion coupled with gender discrimination.

Kota Neelima is an Indian politician, author, researcher, political commentator and artist. Her writing, art, and academic work include a focus on the themes of rural distress, gender, farmer suicides, and the peripheries of democratic societies. She is the author of the nonfiction book Widows of Vidarbha: Making of Shadows and several novels about rural farmers in India, including Shoes Of The Dead.

Chennai International Queer Film Festival is a three-day LGBT- event that usually takes places on the last weekend of July as a part of the city's pride events. The main organizers are SAATHII and Orinam in partnership with Goethe-Institut, Chennai. The other volunteers include various community groups and NGOs, including Nirangal, East-West Center for Counselling, and RIOV. The last day is usually performances along with a panel discussion, usually to discuss and bring out the challenges faced by community members.

Ladies and Gentlewomen is a Tamil language, Indian documentary by Malini Jeevarathnam and produced by Pa. Ranjith. It is about love, life, and suicide among lesbians. The documentary also features a "Lesbian Anthem" for which the music was composed by Justin Prabhakaran and lyrics were penned by Kutti Revathi and Damayanthi.

The following list is a partially completed compilation of events considered to have a profound effect on the welfare or image of Tamil sexual minorities. The use of bold typeface indicates that the event is widely considered to be landmark:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queer Chennai Chronicles</span> Indian LGBT literary organization

Queer Chennai Chronicles, also known as QCC is an Indian LGBT literary organization that aims to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer literature through programs that encourage development of aspiring writers and through annual Queer LitFest, Chennai.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lokesh Kumar</span> Indian film director, producer and screenwriter

Lokesh Kumar is an Indian film director, producer and screenwriter. He made an award-winning Tamil language feature film My Son Is Gay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalinga Literary Festival</span> Literary festival held in Bhubanesawr, Odisha

The Kalinga Literary Festival, also known as KLF, is an International literary festival which takes place annually in the Indian city Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Rashmi Ranjan Parida is the founder director of the festival. The festival confers KLF Book Awards and three literary awards, which are Kalinga Literary Award, Kalinga International Literary Award, Kalinga Karubaki Award, annually to the noted Indian writers.

<i>S Sushma v. Commissioner of Police</i> Indian LGBT Rights Case Law

S Sushma &Anr. versus Commissioner of Police&Ors.(2021) is a landmark decision of the Madras High Court that prohibited practice of "conversion therapy" by medical professionals in India. The court directed comprehensive measures to sensitize the society and various branches of the Union and State governments to remove prejudices against the queer community.

References

  1. ↑ Joseph, Raveena (29 June 2018). "Between the lines at the Queer Chennai Chronicles". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 "Spotlight on queer literature". The New Indian Express. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  3. ↑ "Queer lit fest in city to promote Tamil writing". dtNext.in. 2 July 2018. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  4. ↑ "INDIA'S FIRST QUEER LITFEST IN CHENNAI PROVIDED A PLATFORM TO QUEER WRITERS AND ARTISTS IN THE MARGINS". Gaylaxy.
  5. ↑ மௌலி,பணியாளர் நலன் ஆலோசகர் | ஃ பீனிக்ஸ் மனிதர்கள், 2 December 2018, retrieved 30 December 2019
  6. ↑ Queer LitFest (2018) | Moulee, Gireesh LS speech , retrieved 29 December 2019
  7. ↑ [Intro] | வரவேற்புரை, மௌலி & கிரீஷ் - சென்னை குயர் இலக்கிய விழா 2019 | QLF 2019, 8 November 2019, retrieved 29 December 2019
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Chennai Queer LitFest to spur conversations on inclusive literature". dtNext.in. 11 September 2019. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  9. ↑ "Chennai's 1st queer lit fest to focus on Tamil writing". The Times of India. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  10. ↑ "QCC Queer LitFest 2018 | Speakers". Queer LitFest. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  11. ↑ "QLF 2019 Speakers | Queer LitFest, Chennai by QCC". Queer LitFest. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  12. ↑ "India's First Queer LitFest in Chennai Provided a Platform to Queer Writers and Artists in the Margins". Gaylaxy Magazine. 12 November 2018. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  13. 1 2 "Inclusive kids' literature to open mic: 2nd Chennai Queer LitFest has a lot in store". www.thenewsminute.com. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  14. ↑ "QCC Queer LitFest 2018". Queer LitFest. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  15. ↑ Queer Lit Fest (2018) | Keynote : Living Smile Vidya | Read by Shilpa, 7 July 2018, retrieved 29 December 2019
  16. ↑ "இந்தியாவின் முதல் பால்புதுமையினர் இலக்கியவிழா". கருப்பு (in Tamil). 27 September 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  17. ↑ "Announcement: Chennai Queer LitFest 2020 Live". Twitter. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  18. ↑ "Announcing Chennai Queer LitFest 2020 - QCC". பால்புது பக்கங்கள். 1 September 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  19. ↑ "Pitching Queer stories to the world". The New Indian Express. 15 September 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  20. ↑ "Tune into this audio-only LitFest". The New Indian Express. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  21. ↑ Kamini Mathai (22 September 2021). "twitter spaces: Chennai Queer LitFest comes to Twitter Spaces | Chennai News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  22. ↑ "Steeping into the queer life of Bakthi era". The New Indian Express. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  23. ↑ "A debt to oral history". The New Indian Express. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  24. ↑ "Writing wronged realities". The New Indian Express. 22 September 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  25. ↑ "Claim, carve and create". www.indulgexpress.com. 24 September 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  26. ↑ "The responsibility of representation". The New Indian Express. 27 September 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.